Yitz Epstein
Yitz Epstein
Narcissism and the Harlow Monkey Experiment
Narcissism and the Harlow Monkey Experiment
Narcissism and the Harlow Monkey Experiment
Friday 26th June 2020
Learn how unmet childhood needs impact adult relationships with insights from Harlow's monkey experiment on this episode of the Narcissism Recovery Podcast.
Explicit
6 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Yitz Epstein
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing Relationships
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Mindful Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Narcissism and the Harlow Monkey Experiment: Unmet Childhood Needs and Their Impact on Adult Relationships
The perpetrator is unconsciously saying: 'I need you to play my parent and give me love. I'm too ashamed of my need for this love and have no way of getting it. So I will manipulate you into being my intimate partner by fooling you into thinking that I love you.'
Ever wondered why some people seem to repeat the same destructive patterns in their relationships? In this episode of the 'Narcissism Recovery Podcast', Yitz Epstein dives into the profound effects of unmet childhood needs on adult intimate relationships. Drawing a fascinating parallel to psychologist Harry Harlow's famous monkey experiment, Epstein unpacks how early emotional deprivation can shape our adult behaviors in ways we might not even realize.
Harlow's study revealed that young monkeys preferred a soft, comforting surrogate mother over a wire one that provided food, highlighting the deep-seated need for affection and security. Epstein explains that narcissistic abusers often project their unmet childhood needs for parental love onto their partners, creating a cycle of trying to resolve past conflicts in present-day relationships. This unconscious repetition compulsion can lead to abusive dynamics where the partner is bullied into playing the role of the offending parent.
But there's hope. Epstein emphasizes the importance of self-repair and re-parenting, encouraging listeners to give their inner child the love and acceptance they never received. By doing so, individuals can break free from these destructive patterns and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of seeking love in all the wrong places, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for healing and moving forward.